There are various reasons why you may choose to go to court over child custody. You may want primary custody of the child, prevent the relocation of the child, report about denied visitation or seek more rights regarding decision making. In this excerpt, you will learn a few tips to ensure that you get a positive outcome from the court process. 

Get a skilled lawyer.

Your family lawyer must be experienced in child custody matters. Inquire about the lawyer's success rate in previous cases. Most lawyers will manage your expectations from the onset. A good lawyer will evaluate all the facts and tell you of the likely scenarios. A lawyer who promises instant success may not be honest with you. 

Gather evidence. 

If you think that your child is unsafe when with your ex, you require evidence to present in court. For instance, you can provide police reports, witness statements and medical reports showing evidence of physical abuse. In severe circumstances, the child may also give evidence in court. 

Work with your ex. 

In Australia, divorced parents share equal shared parenting. As such, the child has equal access to both parents. The parents also collaborate in making decisions about the child's upbringing. As you wait for the court's decision, demonstrate willingness to work with your ex. Work with him or her in making critical decisions regarding the child's welfare. Besides, if he or she requests an out of court agreement, be involved in the process.

Respect court processes.

Avail yourself for mandatory court sessions. Failing to attend may lead the judge to believe that you are disinterested in the case. In Australia, the court may request a family report to help the judge make a ruling. In such cases, a family consultant will contact you and ask that you attend a compulsory interview at the child dispute services premises. If you do not attend the interview, the family consultant will report you to the court, and this might negatively affect the court's decision.

Consider your personal conduct. 

Your in and out of court conduct might affect the judge's decision. As such, you must present yourself as a competent and caring parent. Dress well for court sessions and always address the court with respect. Avoid abusing drugs when spending time with your kids. Also, do not give false information in court. If you do, it might be negatively used against you. 

To get positive outcomes during child custody proceedings, hire an experienced lawyer, gather evidence, work with your ex, respect court processes, and conduct yourself with decorum. For more information, contact local professionals like those found at Ray Swift Moutrage & Associates.